Volunteers of America and Humana host Community Health Fair in Manchester as Part of Rural Health and Recovery Initiative

MANCHESTER, Ky. – Hundreds of people attended a Community Health Fair on Tuesday, hosted by Volunteers of America (VOA) and Humana Inc. at Eastern Kentucky University's Manchester campus.

The free community event was part of Humana’s efforts to serve and support Eastern Kentucky communities, in partnership with VOA. A group of Humana employee ambassadors were in Clay County for three days, bringing clinical and business expertise to the area and learning about local efforts that help improve health outcomes, support recovery, and strengthen rural communities.

The health fair featured Humana healthcare professionals and other providers connecting local residents with health and wellness resources. Offerings included:

• Screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol and BMI
• A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, evaluating liver function, kidney function, blood sugar (glucose), electrolyte balance (sodium, potassium, etc.), and protein levels
• A Complete Blood Count, which measures red blood cells (can identify anemia), white blood cells (can indicate infection or inflammation), hemoglobin and hematocrit platelets (important for blood clotting)
• Education/prevention around cancer and the importance of early screenings
• Tests for Hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis, and syphilis
• Suicide screenings and crisis intervention
• Substance use disorder information
• Humana’s clinicians offered health education resources on topics including tobacco cessation, nutrition, healthy aging, medication management, mental health and well-being, parenting resources, early childhood development, social media safety and healthy screen time practices, and community resources to address barriers to health, like access to transportation, housing, food, and other social supports.

More than a dozen Humana employees and clinicians took part in the three-day visit. They volunteered, met community members, and gained a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing rural Kentucky communities.

Participants visited VOA’s Freedom House, the VOA Recovery Community Center, and the Clay County Senior Citizens Center. The work included volunteer projects, health education, community engagement opportunities, and conversations about healthcare, addiction recovery, and economic well-being. Additionally, participating Humana executives met with local leaders to learn more about community-led solutions that are improving health and recovery outcomes.

On Monday evening, a fireside chat brought together leaders from healthcare, education, government, and nonprofit organizations to discuss health equity, addiction recovery, rural healthcare, and innovative partnerships that are creating positive change across the region.

VOA leaders say Humana’s engagement is an opportunity to showcase the work taking place in Clay County while highlighting the importance of collaborative approaches to addressing rural health challenges.

"The solutions to some of Kentucky's toughest challenges are being built right here in Clay County, with healthcare providers, nonprofits, employers and local leaders working together toward common goals,” said Jennifer Hancock, President and CEO of VOA Mid-States. “This visit gives Humana's leaders and healthcare professionals an opportunity to learn directly from the people and programs that are helping families recover, rebuild and thrive. We are proud to showcase the resilience of this community and the innovative work happening every day across Eastern Kentucky."

Humana and the Humana Foundation share a long-standing partnership with Volunteers of America, supporting healthier, stronger communities in Kentucky, Louisiana and across the country.

MEDIA CONTACT

Alan Player
Director of Marketing & Communications
Volunteers of America Mid-States
502-815-2932
AlanP@voamid.org

About Volunteers of America

Volunteers of America Mid-States operates 30 programs across Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia and Clark and Floyd counties in Indiana. VOA serves individuals and families overcoming substance use disorder and homelessness, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, veterans in need of housing and many other individuals and families in need. Learn more at www.voamid.org and follow @voamid on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About Humana

Humana (NYSE:HUM) is a leading U.S. healthcare company. Through our Humana insurance services and our CenterWell healthcare services, we make it easier for the millions of people we serve to achieve their best health – delivering the care and service they need, when they need it. These efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare and Medicaid, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large. Learn more about what we offer at Humana.com and at CenterWell.com .